When I made the switch this year from APS-C to :43: the major motivating consideration was that I wanted a high quality, light weight set up for taking with me into slot canyons. So far the slots that I have done have been pretty easy, but I want to explore more technical canyons where I will be carrying a lot of gear and will need to keep my camera set up small. My go to lens for slots right now is the Panasonic 7-14mm. I am also very interested in the 9mm prime that Olympus is rumored to be working on. I was hoping that the Olympus EM-10 would be my go to camera, but combined with the Panasonic 7-14 I was getting the purple fringing/blobs in about 90% of my slot shots. It is extremely contrasty in a slot, even when there is no sun anywhere near the little bit of sky I can see. So I bought a used Panasonic GX-7 a few weeks ago to couple with the 7-14mm and have been pretty happy with the results.

Wonderful series Dan. I thoroughly enjoyed looking.
It appears that the GX7/P7-14 combo is free of purple flare, so common when using with an Olympus body. I applied the the rear filter mod with a Wratten 2E, it helps but a certain amount of flare is still evident, colour shifted so more acceptable.
I've been reading about the GX7, it's very tempting I must say.

Dan, I've nominated the first post for headline feature, what I meant of course is the entire thread. Hope Amin or one of the moderators realises this to be the case.
Keep posting, I'm finding it really interesting.
Steve.

Thanks Steve. I have gotten a handful of images with the purple flare using the GX7/P7-14. But it happens only rarely. I really enjoy that set up, it is small, comfortable to carry, gives me an excellent ultra wide angle, and the GX7 is delightful to shoot with. On this last trip I used my E-M1/O12-40 because I was in wet canyons where I would need to swim and I didn't want to risk the Panasonic rig. I also loved using the Olympus set up, but it was heavier, and I was already loaded down with a lot of canyoneering gear in my pack. Also, I wish that I had the 7mm for some shots. I dry bagged the E-M1 when I had to swim, but it still got wet in a couple of spots and kept going just fine.

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Dan, I'm considering the GX7 as a 'taming device' for my own P7-14, but you mention above it not being totally immune. Is it possible to show some examples please, it would help with my decision making.

Thank you very much Dan, you've really pushed the boat out by doing this for me.
The figures are the important point for me to take away, I'm greatly encouraged by this. I think I shall start looking for a good used GX7.

FWIW I do not own the Panny 7-17 but have considered it. I recall reading somewhere about a fix for the purple blob problem. As I recall, there is an attachment available for the rear of the lens to add a UV filter. This apparently solve the problem. Have you tried this?

My go to lens for slots right now is the Panasonic 7-14mm. .......... I was hoping that the Olympus EM-10 would be my go to camera, but combined with the Panasonic 7-14 I was getting the purple fringing/blobs in about 90% of my slot shots. It is extremely contrasty in a slot, even when there is no sun anywhere near the little bit of sky I can see. So I bought a used Panasonic GX-7 a few weeks ago to couple with the 7-14mm and have been pretty happy with the results.

FYI, have tried twice to get up the Buckskin from Paria junction in summer conditions years ago. Got mild hypothermia both times wading neck deep narrow cold water so had to stop (I'm only 150 lbs so not much insulation). Recommend you consider a farmer john wet suite. Have been part way down from the top couple times day hiking. As you are aware, you'll likely need rope for some big chock stones. Sometimes ropes are in place sometimes not.

Sadly permits are now required & there are lots of people in there. No one else was in the canyon both times I went down the Paria years ago. The Virgin Narrows has also become very crowded in the summer & fall.

Wow, lugging a Mamiya 645 down the Paria, what an experience. I haven't hiked the Paria yet, and desperately want to do Buckskin Gulch. On a side note, I used to lug Mamiya 645 on some long hikes in Yellowstone in the 90s.

Yes, I have read about the fix for the Panny 7-14. It involves a simple modification to the back of the lens to allow drop in gel filters. Then cut a Wratten gel filter to insert. No, I haven't tried that fix. I am going to buy the Olympus 7-14 as soon as it is released. I am very frustrated that it wasn't released this winter. I really, really wanted it for my last trip. By the time it comes out my slot season will be over, and I will have to wait until fall to use it.

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